DRUM TRADITION: Respect

Drum Traditions – Wabanaki

As drummers, we are responsible to have an understanding of what the drum represents. The Drum Keeper and the Lead Drummer/Singer of each drum are responsible for ensuring, that all of the drummers in their group have a knowledge of the respect which should be present at and around the drum.

There seems to be a misconception about the difference between a traditional drum and a "Pow-wow" drum. Some drummers rationalize that because they are a "Pow-wow" drum they can use drugs and alcohol, disregard the teachings of respect of the drum and what it represents to all Native People, and still be around the drum taking part in the drumming and singing. 

While it is understood that the drum should not be utilized as a tool to separate our people, it is taught by Spiritual Elders throughout our native lands, known as "Turtle Island", that, the drum is very important medicine to our people and should be shown as much respect as any other medicines, including the Sacred Pipe.

Substance abuse and misuse was not a traditional practice amongst our ancestors, although there have been arguments stating there were occasions where members of certain tribes did misuse some of the medicines. However, these occasions were not considered or regarded in any way to be respectful. Although no person can pollute the medicines, which the Creator has given us to utilize as tools for various types of healing, it is the respect that we try to preserve and to teach to our children.

So, in honor of the Creator and all of our ancestors who died trying to preserve our traditions and culture, we will allow only those drums, which are free of substance abuse/misuse to participate in the capacity of a drum group during the Wabanaki Confederacy Conference.

We understand that we cannot know for sure who is drug/alcohol free and who is not. We will leave that responsibility to the Drum Keepers and Lead Drummers/Singers. You know the people who sit on the drum with your group. We are relying on the honor of each drum group. If information regarding substance use/abuse/misuse on the part of any drummer is brought to the attention of the Planning Committee, that drum will not be called on for the duration of the conference unless the individual(s) involved are absent from the drum circle

Drummers at 8th annual Pow Wow at Maryland University by Brother Andy
Dec. 8, 2012

WOMEN ON THE DRUM

Another matter of concern, is that of women on the drum. According to research regarding Wabanaki People, women traditionally drummed and sang as much as the men did. Traditionally, the hand drums and water drums were used as well as hollow logs and shakers. Not too long ago the larger drums were introduced to, and later adopted by, many of our Wabanaki tribes. This did not stop our women from their traditional roles in drumming and singing.

Although women are not allowed to sit and drum on the larger drums (according to many tribes to the west of the Wabanaki People from which we had adopted these drums from), we did not and have no legitimate reason to retract the right of our women to drum on these drums. So, to honor the Creator, our Mother Earth, and the Spirit of our ancestors, it will be an honor to have any of the Women's drum groups attend and participate as such.

If anyone suspects alcohol or drugs being used by anyone on the Drum, they should lay an Eagle Feather or any other Sacred Feather on the Drum. That STOPS the Drum until the situation is resolved.

From Grandfather Cro